Screw piles: the solution for your deck

GOLIATHTECH UNIVERSITY : TUTORIAL 13

Are you planning on building a deck for your home? If so, you probably have many questions. Like, what type of foundation would be best for my project? How long will the construction take? How much will it cost?

If you're asking yourself these questions, you've come to the right place. In the video above, Lana, our technical expert, explains in detail everything you need to know about using screw piles for your deck’s foundation system.

1. WHY INSTALL A DECK WITH HELICAL/SCREW PILES?

If you are looking to add a new deck to your home, or perhaps renovate your existing deck, you should consider using GoliathTech screw piles instead of a concrete block, concrete column, or deck block.

GoliathTech helical (screw) piles are installed with a small excavator that has the power to screw them in firmly. This fairly small machine can fit through a doorway and other tight spaces to access your backyard, if necessary.

Although an excavator is used, helical piles require no excavation. Screw piles are screwed deep into the ground by a hydraulic motor. The machinery is suitable for tight spaces, so the impact to the landscape is minimal and you can enjoy a warm setting under the sun comfortably installed on your deck.

The installation of a pile takes an average of 10 minutes. The total installation time will depend on the size of the deck you wish to install, but also on the number of piles you need. Most of the projects we work on, such as foundations or swimming pools, do not require more than a few hours.

2. WHY NOT USE OTHER TYPES OF FOUNDATIONS TO INSTALL A DECK?

Unlike concrete piers, which require a relatively long curing time that can take several days, piles offer your contractor the opportunity to begin work once the installation of the piles is complete. The cost of screw piles is also very competitive, in comparison to the cost and time that goes into building concrete.

And what about deck blocks? Wouldn’t those be cheaper? Yes, they cost less, but you will face a major problem in the long run. If you live in an area with a cold climate, or ground freezing and thawing, it will create movement in the ground and the deck blocks may shift. If you live in an area with a warmer climate, the soils are generally softer which may cause your deck to sag.

Either way, your deck will deteriorate faster with this type of foundation. Which will force you  to have to redo your deck quite regularly. This choice may seem cheaper in the short term, but will prove to be costly in the long-run.

The major advantage of a screw pile is that it penetrates deep into the ground, which prevents your structure from heaving or sinking, regardless of the climate. Using their expertise and experience, our certified installers make sure that each helical (screw) pile can support the weight of the roof, barbecue, or even the hot tub you plan to add to your deck.

Other foundations, such as deck blocks, will not be able to support such a heavy weight. Finally, installing GoliathTech screw piles will save you from potential future repair or maintenance costs that you may incur with other products.

About GoliathTech

Do you work in construction? For over 15 years, GoliathTech has integrated both strength and know-how to offer the best anchoring solution to support your residential, industrial, commercial and municipal projects. Our top-of-the-line helical (screw) piles are perfect for any type of installation or application. Our installation service adapts to every soil type and has a minimal footprint to the ground or surrounding structures. Trust the experience and expertise of GoliathTech for your construction projects. Find a screw pile installer in your region or become a franchisee.